Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday officially swore in a new Head of Service and two commissioners, charging them to uphold excellence, integrity and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, saw Adenike Fasina take the oath of office as the new Head of Service, while Lateef Oyeleke and Ayobami Ojo were sworn in as commissioners.
Speaking during the event, Makinde said the appointments were based on competence, proven performance and years of distinguished service to the state.
He stressed that his administration remains committed to rewarding merit and professionalism in public service.
“Your appointments are based on competence, performance and recognition of years of diligence and distinguished service to Oyo across different fields. This government has thrived on appointing individuals based on merit and excellence rather than sentiments,” the governor said.
The governor urged the newly appointed Head of Service and commissioners to remain loyal to the government and work collaboratively with other public officials to advance the development agenda of the state.
He added, “I charge you to discharge your duties effectively and put in your best for the continuous growth and development of Oyo State.”
Following their inauguration, the new commissioners were immediately assigned portfolios. Oyeleke was appointed Commissioner for Special Duties, while Ojo was deployed to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, the former Commissioner for Special Duties, Faosat Joke Sanni, was reassigned to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.
While inaugurating Fasina as the 19th Head of Service in Oyo State, Makinde described her appointment as another milestone for women’s inclusion in governance. According to him, Fasina becomes the seventh woman to occupy the position in the state.
The governor noted that his administration has continued to uphold the 35 per cent affirmative action policy aimed at increasing female participation in leadership and decision-making positions.
He explained that although Fasina’s appointment was primarily based on merit, it also marked a significant achievement for the Ibarapa zone, which previously had no Permanent Secretary when his administration assumed office in 2019.
“Though the appointment of Fasina was based on merit, it has enabled the state to transit from a situation in which there was no Permanent Secretary from Ibarapa Zone when I assumed office in 2019 to a situation where the zone has now produced a Head of Service,” Makinde stated.
The governor further assured civil servants that his administration would continue implementing policies aimed at strengthening the public service and enhancing governance across the state.
Addressing security concerns, Makinde reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He encouraged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, to report suspicious activities within their communities.
The governor also provided an update on the efforts being made to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. He assured families of the victims that the government remains actively engaged in ensuring their safe return.
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The event attracted several prominent personalities, including former Oyo State Governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour representatives and local government chairmen.
The inauguration of the new Head of Service and commissioners is expected to strengthen the state’s administrative structure as the Makinde administration pushes forward with its governance and development agenda.
